Home for a month!

I couldn't have been luckier than to be able to spend a whole month in glorious and sunny South Africa with my family. One thing expat life has taught me is that I love my family and I appreciate them deeply. So to have a whole month of holiday with everyone was indeed a treat.

The month was so full, and so wonderful with each day bringing special moments that are now sweet memories that I treasure! Now to share a few wonderful highlights:

The wedding! My brother married his gorgeous bride Annika and what a joyful day it was. Everything was perfect - but most importantly Paul and Annika were so captivated by each other all day, and that was the best part!

Time with my two precious nephews Evan and Joshua. I know I am biased considering that I get to be the lucky aunt to these two cuties... but man oh man aren't they just adorable? They are delightful little boys and I so welcomed the cuddles and giggles. Being away from these two may be the hardest part of living in Switzerland. But they are always in my heart and I am counting down the days until I get to see them again!

A few glorious days at the beach! Nothing beats the beaches of South Africa and this time was so special with the family. I also celebrated my birthday at the beach (my sister and her boyfriend blew up balloons and left them all over our room, and the family all wrote me sweet notes - a perfect start to the day which continued with a morning on the beach, cake and tea in the afternoon and dinner at the Oyster Box. But without a doubt, the best part of the day was being with family).

Time with my sisters - we spent the days shopping, have coffee dates and going for runs together. My sisters are always close to my heart, and I love them both dearly. Catching up with them was so precious

Lots of time with friends. I am so grateful for my new friends in Switzerland, but I miss my friends in South Africa all the time. I loved being able to see my friends again and share in life together again.

Christmas Eve with all the family! Such. Good. Food! 

 

And of course, last but not least, each moment spent with family was a highlight and so precious. I love my family, and am blessed that they love me and that they are my friends. 

It should not come as a surprise to you that I love food and eating out... so here is a list of my favourite spots in Johannesburg (some of which we didn't visit this trip - next time!).... Real Sushi, Cafe Vida, Dukes, Doppio and Karma in Greenside, a new find The Foundry in Parktown (oh my gosh - this place is incredible!), Vovo Telo and Simply Asia in Parkview, The Orient and Fire and Ice Milkshake bar at Melrose Arch, Red Chamber in Hyde Park,  Kauai and Tashas. Johannesburg has a great choice of restaurants and I miss them while I am away!